Dietitians Today & Tomorrow

Para Espanol Oprima:  Dietistas Hoy y Mañana

Thank you for your interest in the field of nutrition. Your interest only supports the fact that diet can play a significant role in both the treatment of disease and in the maintenance of health. Because of this there are job opportunities for people with a background in nutrition and dietetics. The need is further fueled by the growing and aging population, increased public interest in nutrition, and the food industry's desire to meet public demand for a wider variety of nutritious products. 

Purpose of the Program
Increased awareness of self-health factors, such as diet and exercise, has led to an unprecedented demand for dietitians and nutrition educators who possess the desire to serve communities throughout South Texas and our nation at large. Dietitians Today & Tomorrow / Dietistas Hoy y Mañana was established to identify and promote the advancement of undergraduate students at UTSA who are interested in the study of nutrition. The mission of the program is to prepare today’s health students for tomorrow’s careers in dietetics and nutrition. 

For current information on the projected job market for dietitians and nutritionist until 2018, see the  Bureau of Labor and Statistics and a statement on the need for multi-cultural dietitians by the American Dietetic Association President (2010-2011), Judith Rodriguez.


Q:     How do I get started?

A:     Obtaining a career in Dietetics is a 3-step process:

  1. Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US accredited university or college and complete course work approved or accredited by CADE. These are known as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). RD's study a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, food science, nutrition sciences, behavioral and social sciences, techniques of food preparation, business and economics. 
     
  2. Complete 1200 supervised hours of a post baccalaureate degree internship accredited by CADE. This is a supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency or food service corporation. The dietetic intern receives training in medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and community nutrition. These programs are typically coordinated through a college or university. At some institutions this experience may be combined with an undergraduate or graduate program. 
     
  3. Pass the CDR’s registration examination for dietitians.

     For more information go to the American Dietetic Association's website for students.


Q:     What career options are available for me in the fields of Dietetics and Nutrition?

A:     Read the report by the Society for Nutriton Education.

 

Q:     When I'm ready, who at UTSA should I talk to first?

A:     If you already you know which dietetic or graduate nutrition program(s) your are interested in applying, then you should talk to the advisors in the University Health Professions Office as soon as possible. They will check your prerequisites before graduation.

        Otherwise, any Health and Kinesiology faculty member or the Dietitians Today & Tomorrow Program Manager will be interested in hearing about your career goals and will try to recommend who would be your best source of advice on campus.

 

Q:     What strategies should I take on my own to reach my career goals?

A:     See NUTRITION but also talk with your Career Services Counselor.

 

Q:    What if I'm not really sure that I am interested in Dietetics or Nutrition as a career?

A:     Take part in any one of the on campus events coordinated by the Dietitians Today & Tomorrow project. Even if you are not a BS-Health major, you will be welcome and the sooner you participate, the sooner you will know.

 

Nutrition & Health Commons 

Each fall, 20 freshmen health majors will be invited to join the UTSA branch of the Nutrition and Health Commons, a learning community of health students who are committed to obtaining a career as dieticians and nutrition professionals. Members of this community will have the advantage to learn about activities that will prepare them for the admission process into both the dietetic and graduate nutrition programs.

Scholarship
“A $40,000 scholarship was awarded to one outstanding UTSA Health student who demonstrated a commitment to pursue and obtain a career in dietietics and nutrition. The funds will then be applied towards tuition, and academic fees for the recipient’s ongoing studies in a dietetics program at a University of her choice.”

Funding
Dietitians Today & Tomorrow / Dietistas Hoy y Mañana is funded by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hispanic Serving Institutions Education grant (#2010-38422-21256) to improve the nation’s nutrition and health. See our Annual Report.
 

Program Contact Information:

Kirsten Corda, Program Manager
Dietitians Today & Tomorrow / Dietistas Hoy y Mañana
College of Education and Human Development
Department of Health and Kinesiology
210-458-7034
Dietitians.Today@UTSA.edu

The Dietitians Today & Tomorrow / Dietistas Hoy y Mañana program works collaboratively, campus-wide, to provide focused tutoring; advising/mentoring; hands-on learning and research opportunities; volunteer and internship placement; career panels; guest speakers; and more.